Bedford Urban Enterprise Association takes possession of Bedford's rail spur

BEDFORD - AUGUST 22, 2023 - Note the abbreviation should read BUEA in the news story, changes have been, to reflect this.

The Bedford Urban Enterprise Association have taken possession of the Bedford rail spur that loops from J street to GM Powertrain and back to J Street on the city's northside.

Photo: City of Bedford expressed liability issues about the railroad bridge that spans 5th Street before deeding the property to BUEA.

The Board of Works approved giving the property to BUEA during their meeting Monday afternoon.

Photo: The City of Bedford contract did not stipulate the maintenance and upkeep of the property such as high weeds

Photo: High weeds from the rail spur is an eyesore on Bedford's northside

The Indiana Railroad deeded the property to the City of Bedford in 2010, who then gave the property to the White River Port Authority which is now dissolved, and the City of Bedford took back possession of the property.

The contract now gives the property to BUEA.

Photo: BUEA owns the former Monon Depot in Bedford the property have fallen in disrepair

The agreement with Indiana Railroad stipulates that the property cannot be used for a Rails to Trails or recreational uses. The property can only be used for industrial uses.

The City of Bedford have expressed concerns about the railroad on 5th Street and the group will be responsible for its removal should decide to do so.

The BUEA owns other vacant properties that have fallen in disrepair in the city which include the Monon Depot, and the Elks' Club that has been recently sold for $129,000.

Photo: The BUEA formerly owned the Bedford Elks Club until it sold on August 16th the purchaser of the property have not been revealed.

The BUEA focuses on revitalizing the zone area's economy through various programs.

These programs include rehabilitating rental buildings for residential and business properties. The BUZA formed in 1993.

In 2022 revenues for BUEA was $205,928, and expenses totaled $26,290. The assets for BUEA total $1,180,755.

The organization president is Shance Sizemore, Harold Turner Treasurer, Lee Cuba Secretary, and Brandon Woodward.

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